Customized electronic candle

ABSTRACT

A system for the customization of an electronic candle, which system includes an electronic candle assembly comprising an illumination element and means for illuminating the illumination element for providing a simulated illuminated wax candle effect, a first sleeve having a translucent portion and first customizing indicia, a second sleeve having a translucent portion and second customizing indicia, a second indicia being visually distinguishable from the first indicia, the assembly and each sleeve has cooperable constructions for selective assembly of each sleeve to the electronic candle assembly for customizing the alternative electronic candle.

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to application Ser. Nos. 10/666,731,filed Mar. 11, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,426 granted Mar. 14, 2006,and 11/254,428, filed Oct. 20, 2005, which applications and patent areincorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to electronic candles. This invention alsorelates to customizing or personalizing electronic candles. Thisinvention further relates to memorial and funerary business methods.

2. Background and Discussion of the Prior Art

Electronic candle constructions are generally known. Electronic candleconstructions are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,108 toLederer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,924 to Lederer, U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,426 toLederer and US Publication No. 2005/0179355 to Lederer. It is alsopresently known to commercialize electronic candles for religiousinstitutions and memorial business as disclosed in US Publication No.2006/0039137 to Lederer.

It is also known to provide LED illuminated signs with an etched portionto scatter light as disclosed in US Publication No. 2005/0188569 toDerose.

In the art directed to funerary and memorial business, there is agrowing present need to provide services to a diverse customer base ofdifferent religions and further having diverse personalized memorialneeds. The funerary and memorial business therefore desires a readilyoperable and cost effective system that services the diverse customerbase and their concomitant needs.

The present invention provides an electronic candle assembly and systemthat resolves the foregoing art needs. The present invention provides anelectronic candle assembly and system as aforesaid which is readilyoperable in a commercially practicable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present system for the customization and personalization of anelectronic candle includes an electronic candle assembly having a baseand interchangeable candle cover sleeves. The candle cover sleeves arealternatively mounted to the base. Each candle cover sleeve hasdifferent or distinguishing indicia, e.g., Cross, Star of David, and thelike, or it can have none of it, and various compartments forcustomization for or by a specific customer. The base containsillumination elements and their power and driving circuitries. Theilluminations may be in color complementary to a respective candle coversleeve color to provide an enhanced simulated wax candle flickeringeffect. The Star of David candle cover sleeve may appropriately be blue,and the Cross candle cover sleeve may appropriately be red.

An assembled and customized candle cover sleeve may include in itslowered and slanted top a picture, or in its enclosable readily viewablespace or compartment a memento of particular significance to thedeceased and to the customer or viewer or it may house both. The candlecover sleeve further includes an internal holder for a customizedprinted sheet bearing indicia to identify the deceased or it uses aslidable and interchangeable collar assembly to hold indicia on itsexternal surface.

The electronic candle assembly includes a radially disposed specificallyconfigured on-off switch. The switch is frictionally engaged by theinner surface of the candle cover sleeve. The user by depressing thesleeve actuates the illuminating elements to activate the flickering waxcandle simulation. The electronic candle includes circuitries andalternate power sources whereby the electronic memorial candle may ineffect be lighted in perpetuity.

In one embodiment, a funeral director or customizing agent receives anemail order or completed e-order form with customization instructionsfrom the customer. The funeral director customizes and then assemblesthe components for ready customization of the electronic candle fordelivery to the customer at or in connection with a funeral or memorialservice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the electroniccandle of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded enlarged assembly view of the electronic candle ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 inthe “OFF” disposition.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged sectional view as in FIG. 3A in the initial “ON’disposition;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged sectional view as in FIG. 3B in the second or inperpetuity “ON” disposition;

FIG. 4 in a view as shown in FIG. 2 showing a further embodiment of theelectronic candle with a compartment space or chamber in candle coversleeve;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational and sectional view of a further embodimentof the electronic candle as shown in FIG. 4. A sheet indicia bearingcollar is added to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the collar of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the collar taken along line 7-7of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the power source and circuitry of theelectronic candle;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of the electronic circuitry of the electroniccandle corresponding to FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a sleeve bearing a Cross;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a sleeve bearing a molded Star ofDavid;

FIG. 12A is a side elevational view of a candle cover sleeve bearing noreligious indicia; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic showing the business method and system of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A-3C, 8 and 9, there is shown an embodimentof the electronic candle 10. Candle 10, generally, includes anillumination assembly 11, a slidably removable candle cover sleeve 12, atop cover assembly 13 a base 41 with 42 cylindrical arms and a cover 14.The assembly rests on pedestal 15.

Illumination assembly 11 has a housing 16, electronic assembly 17,movable switch arm 18, operably connected with electronic assembly 17,two vertically disposed illumination elements or LEDs 19, andtranslucent illumination housing 20, for purposes hereinafter appearing.It also has a base 41 with cylindrical arms 42 and a compression spring40.

Candle cover sleeve 12 is cylindrically shaped. Candle cover sleeve 12is partially clear, textured or transparent. Candle cover sleeve 12 hasan outer cylindrical surface 22, an inner cylindrical surface 23, anannular top edge 24 and an annular bottom edge 25 having radiallyoutwardly disposed lip 25 a. A radially inwardly protruding element 30is formed on inner cylindrical surface 23 at a prescribed distance frombottom edge 25 for purposes hereinafter appearing. Inner cylindricalsurface 23 is formed with recess 26 for receiving a sheet 35 bearingindicia 36 (FIG. 1), whereby the indicia is viewable through clearportion 28. The candle cover sleeve also has a lowered and angledcircular top 22A and on 22A outer surface a 22B recess to receive photo63. A compression spring 40 is operably disposed between candle coversleeve 12 bottom edge 25, illumination housing 16, housing base 41 andcylindrical arms 42. Spring 40 is retained between candle cover sleeve12, lip 25A, base 40 and cylindrical arms 42. Cylindrical arms 42 alsolimit candle cover sleeve 12 motion when base cover 14 is placed. (FIGS.3A-3C).

Referring to specifically to FIGS. 3A-3C, candle cover sleeve 12 isshown in operable engagement with switch arm 18, spring 40 andillumination circuitry 17 and LEDs 19. Referring to FIG. 3A, element 30slidably engages the outer surface of housing 16. Spring 40 isuncompressed in FIG. 3A. Sleeve bottom edge 25 and 25A rests on spring40 in the disposition of FIG. 3A. In the foregoing manner ofconstructions, switch arm 18 is disposed in the initial “OFF” position.

Referring specifically now to FIG. 3B, there is shown the downwardmovement of candle cover sleeve 12 by the user (not shown) pressingdownwardly on candle cover sleeve top edge 24. This downward movementcauses the candle cover sleeve bottom edge 25A to compress spring 40.Candle cover Sleeve protruding element 30, slidably moves downwardlyfrom the outer surface housing 16, and contactingly slidably engageswitch arm 18. This engagement causes switch arm 18 to pivot inward toinitiate “ON” position as shown in FIG. 3B. This downward initialmovement of candle cover sleeve 12 causes switch arm 18 to actuateelectronic assembly 17 to turn the illuminating LEDs 19 on.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3C, there is shown the operatingposition after the user (not shown) disengages from sleeve top edge 24.Spring 40 decompresses and returns to its initial disposition. Sleeveprotruding element 30 likewise returns to its initial position. Switcharm 18 likewise returns to its initial position. Circuitry 17 powerholding circuitry electronics 51, however, causes LEDs 19 to remain ONfor an extended period if sleeve 12 remains downwardly unmoved. Candle10 is then effectively illuminated in perpetuity. If candle cover sleeve12 is depressed by the user again, the switch arm 18 is moved to aninward position, and circuitry 17 power holding electronics 51 will turnthe LEDs 19 OFF.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a block diagramand an actual schematic of the electronic circuitries The dual powersource the DC/DC power converter, and flame flickering circuitry toprovide the LEDs with illumination in effect in perpetuity. Theelectronic assembly 17 is connected to wall outlet power supply (notshown) in a customary manner. The power supply is connected to dualpower source 50, which provides power to the power holding circuitry 51and to DC/DC power converter 52. The power source 50 provides power tosimulate flame flickering circuitry 53. FIG. 9 shows an actual workingcircuitry.

In this manner of construction, LEDs 19 remains lighted by either thebatteries or the external power source. This permits the LEDs 19 toremain lighted in perpetuity. If batteries are rechargeable types theexternal power source will recharge them at the same time.

Candle 10 remains lighted in perpetuity, as is the generally mostdesired presentation for memorial candles. Candle 10 is provided with asheet or insert 35 which is imprinted with a memorial notice 36 oncewith inscribed the name 37 of the deceased (FIG. 1).

Further, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, candle cover sleeve 12 topassembly 13 includes a transparent cover or magnifying lens 60, and aphoto 63 of the deceased. The photo is shaped that it will fit intorecess 22B. The inside upper portion of candle cover sleeve 12 with itslowered and angled circular top 22A and its recess 22B will receivephoto and the photo will be held and protected by lens cover 60 bypressing it in to candle cover sleeve top.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a further embodiment of theelectronic candle 10 customization. With transparent plate or insert 61having recess 62A in its upper top surface closing the candle coversleeve at top edge 24 a chamber or compartment 70 can be created with aslanted bottom toward the front. The compartment or chamber 70 may beused to stow or preserve a memento (not shown) or significance to thecustomer or viewer. The transparent insert 61 may receives a picture inits recess 62A that is covered with lens 60. The inserted object will bevisible from the front and side from the upper clear section of candlecover sleeve 12.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12A, there are shown alternative embodiments ofcandle cover sleeve 12, namely 80, 90 and 100. All embodiments of candlecover sleeve 12 are thermoformed or injection molded with same dye butwith different inserts (nothing, Cross, Star of David, etc.) to the dyefor the different insignias. Also the candle cover sleeves can be moldedin various colors to enhance the significant of the insignias. Candlecover sleeve 80 is of molded thermoplastic construction like candlecover sleeve 12. Candle cover sleeve 80 differs from candle cover sleeve12 in three principal aspects. Candle cover sleeve 80 is formed with aCross 81 molded and formed as part of the unitary candle cover sleeveconstruction. Candle cover sleeve 80 is formed of red coloredthermoplastic construction. Candle cover sleeve 80 is also formed of anupper inner surface, which is textured 84. Texture surface “breaks up”the flickering light emanating from the colored LEDs 19 to provide anenhanced simulated flickering wax candle effect. Candle cover sleeve 90is formed or molded with a Star of David 91. Candle cover sleeve 90 isformed of a deep blue colored thermoplastic construction. The upperinner surface of candle cover sleeve 90 is textured (not shown in FIG.12) in a manner similar to that of candle cover sleeve 80. The LEDsutilized with candle cover sleeve 90 are complementarily colored toprovide an enhanced simulated wax candle flickering effect. Candle coversleeve 100 represents when customer wants no religious designation ofcandle. It has the same construction than the candles with insignias.

The following Table I shows a coordination of the textured candle coversleeve colors, the LED colors and their required voltage provided by theDC/DC converter 52 to cause the respective enhanced simulated wax candleflickering effects.

TABLE I Sleeve Color LED color Voltage (v) Red Red 1.9 Blue Blue 3.1Clear Yellow 2.1 Green Green 3.4

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, there is shown an alternate embodiment candle100. Candle 100 differs from candle 10 that candle 100 does not includememorial elements 36, 37, and 35. Candle 100 is constructed with apartially open external memorial collar assembly 110. Collar assembly110 is slidably disposed on the outer surface of the candle cover sleeve12 and rests on cover 14. Collar assembly 110 is formed of 2 rings of121 and 121A and a cylindrical segment of 120. Upper and lower innerrecesses 112 and 113 are formed in ring 121 and 121A. Indicia bearingsheet 114 of paper or thermoplastic, which is imprinted with thememorial indicia 36 and 37, is removably disposed in recesses 112 and113. A protective transparent plastic cover sheet 115 is disposed inrecesses 112 and 113 in front of sheet 114 and functionally retained inrecess 112-113. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of collar 110 and FIG. 7is a sectional view of collar 110 at axis 7-7. Candle 100 may includeany of the candle cover sleeve configuration.

The afore-discussed embodiments provide a readily customized memorialcandle for funerary and memorial businesses. One method, by way ofexample, useful in a funerary business is where a loved one of thedeceased completes an e-form that with the Internet instructs thefuneral director as to e.g. the name, religion and image of the decease.The funeral director that imprints the requested memorial information 36and 37 and photo and assembles the candle with the appropriate candlecover sleeves e.g. 80 or 90 or 100 or any other and complementary LEDs(Table I). This construction and methodology permits a readilycustomized and personalized electronic candle, which stimulates aflickering lighted wax candle in perpetuity.

A business, such as a funerary or memorial business, may utilize theafore-discussed electronic candle construction to provide cost-effectivepersonalization and customization services to diverse customers. In onepreferred embodiment of the business; (a) an e-form is provided by thebusiness on the business website; (b) a prospective customer accessesthe website and completes the e-form, including information such as (i)name of deceased; (ii) religion of deceased and (iii) photograph of thedeceased; (c) the business then assembles the appropriate symbol bearingcandle cover sleeve (colors), LEDs and memorial indicia andsimultaneously bills the customer's credit card (FIG. 13). The funerarybusiness or customizing agent may transfer the indicia and customizationinstructions 201 to a printer and the memento 202 to the assemblylocation where the electronic candle is assembled (FIG. 13). Thecustomer is then provided with the customized and personalizedelectronic candle at or in connection with a funeral or memorialservice.

The described systems and candle 10 constructions provides a simulatedflame lighted in perpetuity, with readily viewable memorial indicia 37,memorial photo and/or memorial memento. The present invention provides acomplete all-in-one customized and personalized memorial unit.

The above-discussed specific embodiments are not intended to be limitingin any way. Many changes can be made to the invention without departingfrom the scope thereof. It is intended that all material containedherein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in alimiting sense of the invention which is defined by the adjoined claims

1. A system for the customization of an electronic candle, said systemcomprises: an electronic candle assembly comprising an illuminationelement and means for illuminating the illumination element forproviding a simulated illuminated wax candle effect; a first candlecover sleeve comprising a clear upper portion and first customizingindicia; a second candle cover sleeve comprising a translucent upperportion and second customizing indicia, said second indicia beingvisually distinguishable from said first indicia; and said assembly andeach said candle cover sleeve comprise cooperable means for selectivealternate assembly of each said sleeve to the electronic candleassemble; whereby the electronic candle is customized.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first candle cover sleeve comprises a first colorand the second candle cover sleeve comprises a second color, and saidassembly comprises means for providing complementary color illuminationfor each respective candle cover sleeve to provide an enhanced waxcandle flickering simulation.
 3. The system of claim 1, said firstcandle cover sleeve comprises a blue color and the first indicia is aStar of David, and the second candle cover sleeve comprises a red colorand the second indicia is a Cross.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereineach said indicia comprises a respective religious symbol.
 5. The systemof claim 1, each said candle cover sleeve comprises an accessible andviewable compartment for receiving a memento viewably disposed in thecompartment.
 6. The system of claim 5, said compartment comprises aclear wall section viewable from outside the candle cover sleeve.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, said assembly comprises a base and a switch armoutwardly disposed from the base said switch arm being movably disposedwith respect to the base, said candle cover sleeve being downwardlymovable with respect to the base and switch arm, and wherein thedownward movement of the candle cover sleeve engages the switch arm toactuate illumination of the electronic candle.
 8. The system of claim 7,said base comprises a spring, said candle cover sleeve operably engagesthe spring with the downward movement of the sleeve to effect saidillumination.
 9. A business method for the customization of theelectronic candle system of claim 1, comprising: a business operatorselecting one of the sleeves for customization for a specific customer;and further comprising assembling the selected sleeve to the electroniccandle assembly.
 10. The business method of claim 9, further comprisingthe customer providing an order for customization to the businessoperator.
 11. The business method of claim 10, wherein the businessoperator is a funeral director, and the customer is customizing theelectronic candle for the deceased.
 12. The business method of claim 11,said first sleeve comprises a blue color and the first indicia is a Starof David, and the second sleeve comprises red dolor and the secondindicia is a Cross.
 13. The business method of claim 1, wherein eachindicia comprises a respective religious symbol.
 14. The business methodof claim 13, each said sleeve comprises an accessible and viewablecompartment for receiving a memento of significance to the customer. 15.The business method of claim 1, said electronic candle illuminationassembly comprises means for illumination in effectively in perpetuity.16. An electronic candle comprising: a first illumination element; meansfor electronically illuminating an element to simulate an flickering waxcandle; a switch arm movably operably disposed to the means forelectronically illuminating the illumination element; a first candlecover sleeve, said candle cover sleeve being movably operably disposedto said switch arm; whereby with movement of the candle cover sleeve ina first direction with respect to the switch arm, the candle coversleeve operably contactingly engages the switch arm and causes theswitch arm to move to actuate the means for electronically illuminatingthe illumination element.
 17. The electronic candle of claim 16, saidarm being operably disposed in a first position wherein there is noillumination, and in a second position wherein there is initialillumination, and in a third position wherein there is continuedillumination.
 18. The electronic candle of claim 17, said arm beingoperably disposed in a fourth position wherein there is no illumination,and wherein, with the fourth position being subsequent to the firstposition.
 19. The electronic candle of claim 16, further comprising acollar, said collar being interchangeable, each said collar havingdifferent customizing indicia.
 20. The electronic candle of claim 19,each said candle cover sleeve having a different color.
 21. Theelectronic candle of claim 20, further comprising a second illuminationelement, said illumination element being interchangeable, eachillumination element being a different color.
 22. The electronic candleof claim 21, wherein the first candle cover sleeve color and firstillumination element color are complementary to provide a first enhancedsimulated flickering wax candle effect, and wherein the second candlecover sleeve color and second illumination element color arecomplementary to provide a second enhanced simulated flickering candleeffect.
 23. The electronic candle of claim 21, further comprising twofirst illumination elements and two second illumination elements. 24.The electronic candle of claim 16, said candle cover sleeve comprises aninner surface, and further comprising an inwardly protruding elementdisposed on the inner surface of the candle cover sleeve, said inwardlyprotruding element frictionally engages the switch arm.
 25. A kit for acustomized electronic candle, said kit comprises: at least oneillumination element; an electronic assembly operably disposed to andfor illuminating the at least one illuminating element; and a pluralityof candle cover sleeves for selective disposition of one candle coversleeve with respect to the illumination element whereby light from theillumination element passes through the candle cover sleeve, each candlecover sleeve bearing different customizing indicia; whereby the userselects the candle cover sleeve specific for customization and assemblesthe candle cover sleeve to the electronic assembly.
 26. The kit of claim25, each respective candle cover sleeve indicia customizing comprises arespective religious symbol.
 27. The kit of claim 26, each candle coversleeve comprises a color, said color being of significance to therespective religious symbol.
 28. The kit of claim 25, said candle coversleeve further comprises a recessed and slanted top with recess having atransparent portion and further comprising means for selectivelyreceiving a picture with a lens cover or an additional insert to createa compartment for an object whereby the indicia is viewable through theclear portion of candle cover sleeve.